Alabama lawmakers and Governor Kay Ivey took a major step toward preserving the right for families and businesses to choose their own source of energy — free from mandates handed down by the federal government or burdensome regulations on the local level.
State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) authored SB50 to prohibit governmental entities from enacting any policy or taking any action that restricts any Alabamian or other entity from acquiring or using any appliance solely based on the type of energy or energy generation used to operate the appliance.
Gov. Kay Ivey signed that bill into law on Friday after being approved by both the Alabama House and Senate.
“The last thing hardworking Alabamians need — or want — is government overreach that finds its way into our homes,” Governor Ivey said.
“I was proud to sign this commonsense legislation by Senator Gerald Allen to ensure consumer choice will always prevail in Alabama. Our people can make their own choices, and SB50 underscores our commitment to consumer freedom.”
As of 2023, 98 cities and towns across the United States have enacted anti-gas polices and scores more have policies proposed. Other states have passed appliance choice legislation that preserves their citizens’ rights to choose – Florida, Georgia, Montana, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. Now signed into law, Alabama is among those states.
“Alabamians can rest assured they will have the freedom on what appliances they choose, without government involvement,” State Sen. Allen said. “Limiting free enterprise is not the American way!”
In 2019, the Alabama legislature and others states across the country passed legislation that preserved the right for citizens and businesses to choose their energy source. Now, there are local governments looking at how to get around those by adopting measures through building codes and other alternative pathways.
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In Alabama, residents commonly use gas appliances due to their reliability, safety, and the affordability of natural gas. During severe weather conditions, such appliances enable Alabamians to cook, boil water, and operate generators, which are essential for maintaining self-sufficiency when power outages occur. Natural gas also plays a crucial role in emergency response operations post-severe weather, including powering generators.
Natural gas is predominantly sourced within the United States. This domestic production allows Alabama to rely less on energy imports from foreign nations, some of which may have contentious relations with the U.S. and potentially less stringent environmental regulations.
“We know our customers want choice in selecting the energy that fuels their homes and businesses and we believe they should keep that choice,” Joe Hampton, Spire Energy President for Alabama, Gulf Coast, and Mississippi said.
“From homeowners to restaurants to large industries, millions prefer natural gas appliances to heat their homes and water, cook food and grow their business. Natural gas continues to be affordable, reliable, safe and abundant and we’ll continue to serve our customers, providing the energy they need,” he added.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
